|
Tips for starting first production.
|
View this Thread in Original format
| Mix Junky!! |
| Hey guys :) Recently took the jump into production after about 5 years of Dj'n. I've been on ableton the last 2 days getting used to the interface and getting to terms with it, i like it. Was just wondering if anyone could give me a few tips on building a track from start to finish and what steps to take in doing so. Like which parts to start first, which parts are more difficult ect. Have literally no previous experience so I'm all ears for which way suits you guys. |
|
|
| clay |
| just have fun and make loops and pay attention to the sound, compare to tracks you like. be sure to have proper monitoring (speakers/headphones/soundcard). be critical to yourself and dont think you can learn it in a week. but most importantly have fun, dont stress on finishing a full track emidiately. learn the sofware and the instruments. read the manual. |
|
|
| itsamemario |
| quote: | Originally posted by clay
emidiately |
LOL
but yah, what he said. |
|
|
| Whip_lash |
Make sure to watch youtube vids on EVERYTHING. This is what i did and it helped me the most. There is alot of helpfull vids out there by dubspot, pointblank and others.
Just make sure not to get frustrated, it will all take time. |
|
|
| Evolve140 |
| Frustration was a driving force for me. Replaced that feeling with bliss but it took years of work. So get comfortable, "You're going to be here a while." |
|
|
| type 1a |
the best way to start is to basically copy a track in the style you want produce.... so if you want to produce trance, pick a decent (but not too complicated) track and start attempting to rebuild it one piece at a time (start with the percussion...)
even this is a tall order though so i would suggest breaking things down even more: pick an 8 bar section from a song you like and try to build that... just 8 bars and try to get it sounding decent... |
|
|
| DJRYAN� |
there's a thread around here about the "golden rule" or something like that. Its vitally important especially when it comes to your percussion tracks. That loop has to stand on its own. A person listening to just your percussion/kick track should be able to listen to it somewhat indefinitely without getting annoyed. At least in my opinion thats the first thing I'd concentrate on.
* USE VELOCITIES TO HELP WITH THIS
Secondly, I'd ask myself, how much musical experience do I have. Am I going to be profecient at pounding out a melody via a keyboard or synth, or do I not have any musical experience and need to catch up fairly quickly. If the latter is the case, then I'd highly reccomend going ahead and learning how to draw your sequences. I'd also begin studying guitar/piano chord progressions and the most popular ones in their minor key.
* I USUALLY CREATE A CHORD PROGRESSION USING A VERY BASIC SAW WAVEFORM, AND THEN USING THE SAME INSTRUMENT UP AN OCTAVE OR TWO CREATE THE MELODY. THEN DOWN AN OCTAVE OR TWO CREATE THE BASS. THEN YOU CAN BREAK IT UP FROM THERE TO FORM YOUR TRACK.
Thirdly, there are elements in electronic dance music that are way more rhythimc than musical. Meaning, so much more can be accomplished by concentrating not just on chord progressions and melodies but the variations in rhythms that allow your listener to step from one foot to the other, so to speak. A simple "short" loop isn't going to have your listener do anything but expect more.
Arrangement is your SONG!
As an above poster indicated earlier, pick out one of your favorite tracks and try to build that. But unlike that person, I'm not one to be confined so, I buld my track using the sounds I like. Then pick a track, and use that arrangement as a guideline. Although it might not "fit" that's when you begin to get to creative because from the start you're already producing properly times music. It goes way past just 16, 32, 64, etc. etc. - Mr. Dj.
Ableton is an excellent program to use. I started in Reason and knowing what I know now, I would've just started with Ableton from the beginning, so props on that.
Grab yourself a few VST's. So far in my tool kit, I have Nexus2, Sylenth2, a few SoundToys Plugins, as well, as some Tone2 stuff. Familiarize yourself with what VST produces what sound you like e.g.: 303, 808, 909, or if you like pre-fabricated sounds which I find better in ROM Synthesizers. Sound design is kind of fun, but I find my creativity is more productive just putting in something that sound like what I want and then tweaking it from there.
Lastly, and this probably the most important aspect of being a producer. You're going to feel inclined to share your productions. Mostly to get feedback but to allow others to experience your music. But if its , DO NOT SHARE! You will be known by the music you put out, and once its out its out. So make sure that its perfect so people don't say, Oh No, here comes another production from..
And watch as many tutorials as possible. I can't emphasize that enough.
I'm usually around here so if you have any questions or need some help feel free to ask.
Good Luck but Have Fun!! |
|
|
| Looney4Clooney |
| Try to take advice from people that are not green themselves. Blind leading the blind leaves everyone gay or something. |
|
|
| Allied Nations |
buy as much outboard gear as possible, especially synths, but don't waste money on you don't need
you'll thank me later |
|
|
| EddieZilker |
| quote: | Originally posted by Looney4Clooney
Try to take advice from people that are not green themselves. |
Just to add: When possible, listen to the work of people who are giving you advice. If what they have accomplished is similar to your qualitative goal, chances are their suggestions are valid.
| quote: | Originally posted by Looney4Clooney
Blind leading the blind leaves everyone gay or something. |
At the risk of being cynical, this might lead to the creation of a problem which is its own solution. |
|
|
| DJRYAN� |
| It sounds like you guys are suggesting that this guy shouldn't take advice from me. That's not right. I have more than a basic understanding of music, and its not like any of you posted anything really substantial that could actually help this guy. |
|
|
| ChemTec |
I think before you even think about producing a track, learn your DAW inside out, which in your case is Ableton. I have been using Ableton for the past maybe 4 years or so and I am still finding or learning new things. If you learn how your DAW works and understand all the different functions and controls, your productions will go much more smoother.
In terms of creating a track, i find creating a chord progression can be a good starting point as this chord progression will basically be used throughout your whole track. Some people start with drums, some start with melody but at the end of the day, if it is electronic music you are making, there is no starting point. Electronic music was basically created because of people experimenting and doing different things to what other people were doing, so if you can approach your production with this attitude, you could develop your own unique sound which nobody else will have.
Best of luck and i hope this helps |
|
|
|
|
